As part of the honor, he joined fellow nominees who were recognized for their achievements before the 27th Hawai’i Legislature.

According to the legislative recognition, Aquino has “formed and maintained many relationships with key individuals and organizations that serve each and every community throughout the County of Maui, including The Boys and Girls Clubs of Maui, Inc., all clubhouses, The Kiwanis Valley Isle Key Club, Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Shelter, Kiwanis Keiki Fest, Community Work Day Program, Mālama Maui Nui, MauiRunner.com, The Maui Food Bank, Feed My Sheep, Maui County Be A Jerk Campaign and the Maui Roller Girls.”

In addition to community involvement, the state Legislature also recognized Aquino for his good academic standing, holding a consistent 3.5 to 4.0 cumulative grade point average in recent years. His academic highlights include participation in the UH Maui College Summer Bridge Program, which focuses on STEM education disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.